SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — New York State’s first-ever early voting period continues as some deadlines draw closer. The deadline to request an absentee ballot has passed as has the deadline to submit an absentee ballot through the mail. Those with absentee ballots can deliver them to the Onondaga County Board of Elections by November 4th.
New York is the 39th state to have an early voting period. Democratic Elections Commissioner, Dustin Czarny explained why New York finally decided to hold early voting.
“Convenience, choosing your time to vote,” Czarny said. “To hopefully drive up turnout a little.”
So far, it’s working. Over 2600 voters have been processed and 567 of those voters did not vote in 2017. That is a 20% increase already. Czarny added that he wanted to perfect this process now in order to be ready for next year’s Presidential election. More information on this election can be found at the Onondaga County Board of Elections website.
Anchor Santino
With election day just a week away, early votes are pouring in both in Onondaga County and the state of New York. NCC News’ Josh Widman is at one of the six early voting sights with the latest.
Reporter Josh
Guys, I’m here at Dewitt Town Hall and today is the last day to request an absentee ballot from the Onondaga County Board and if you want to send it to them through the mail, you missed that deadline but you can bring it to them in person until November 4th. Now the first early voting period in New York State continues until November 3rd. New York is late to the game however. New York is the 39th state to have early voting and Democratic Elections Commissioner, Dustin Czarny explained why New York finally decided to hold early voting.
Dustin Czarny
“Convenience, choosing your time to vote and uh for uh for the voters. And hopefully drive up turnout a bit.”
Reporter Josh
So far it’s working. Over 2600 voters have been processed so far. 567 of those voters did not have any registration in 2017, which is a 20% increase already. Czarny said that he wanted to perfect this process before next year’s Presidential election. If you need more information on this year’s election, go to NCC News Online or the Onondaga County Board’s Website. In Dewitt, Josh Widman, NCC News.
